Schepsels

Schepsels is a Dutch noun meaning a living being or creature. In general use it refers to anything that has been created, especially beings regarded as sentient, such as humans and animals. In religious or philosophical writing, schepsel often denotes a creature created by God rather than the Creator itself.

Etymology: The word derives from the verb scheppen, to create, with a nominal suffix -sel. It appears in Middle Dutch and has remained relatively formal or literary in modern Dutch, carrying a sense of antiquated or weighty language.

Usage: In contemporary Dutch, speakers typically use more everyday terms like mens (human) or dier (animal) for ordinary references; schepsel is more common in religious, historical, or literary contexts. The plural is schepsels, used when speaking of multiple beings. The expression een schepsel van God is a typical formulation, highlighting the created nature of beings within theological discourse. The term can also convey a moral or evaluative tone, depending on context.

Context and nuance: Schepsel emphasizes creation and origin, rather than inherent essence. It can be used to discuss humanity’s place in creation, the relationship between Creator and created beings, or to evoke a solemn or reflective mood in literature and discourse.

See also: Creature, being, creation.